Marra wildly looks about the area for the corpse of the dead guard she had stepped past earlier. If this really was their opportunity to escape free, simply standing about would do nothing to improve their chances. Undoubtedly the light cast by the gnome would be a good idea in these tunnels. Closing her eyes, she channels her will as she whispers for aid.
The sphere of vibrant light within her palms brightens her path as she heads back in the direction where she came, keeping an eye out for the body of the fallen guard.
Breewyn made her way to the two of them, seeing the half-orc and the dwarf. She helped the two of them be free from their manacles. The chains and cuffs clattered to the ground and she turned away, but not before giving them both a mischievous grin. "Come hurry to the others, they need more strength I think." She managed to say, before she scampered back to where the others where, her little light bobbing as she went.
As Octavian drags the dry barrel down the tunnel and around a corner plans within plans are tumbling through his mind. He drags the barrel all the way down the tunnel until he comes across the first split which goes towards the left. He places his barrel in that tunnel and goes back to the other 2 that have been moved down here and moves them into the joining tunnel as well. As he moves past the big warrior he hooks a thumb over his shoulder indicating the adjoining tunnel and walks back to the entrance. As he gets his hands under the shoulders of the most recently slain guard a thought strikes him and forces him to stop.
In his mind the wizard plays through a series of days and occurances that he had memorized as best as he could.
A horrible realization struck him at that moment as he remembered the normal supply schedule. He stopped and counted silently before coming to a horrible realization: they didn't have more then 24 hours before they would be overwhelmed and killed by a heavily armed force 4 times bigger then what was currently in the fort.
He couldn't see what was going on up at the fort as the rain increased and he dragged the guard's body back into the mine. "Everyone grab anything that isn't nailed to the ground!" he commanded. "That includes the wet barrels as well! We only have a day to get out of here!"
I still need keys but these chains have proven a most helpful ally. They have any non magical manacles there? Perhaps something to further the destructive wrath of nature? I can't let the Barbarian do it all!
Chuthan calls out. He drops the dead guard.
Dry Black Powder Barrels x3
Arrows Shot into barrels x10
Chains 15 feet
Set of Magic Suppressing Manacles x10 (20 individual manacles)
Stretching out his arms and legs, Tsakua jogs up to the main group just in time to hear the blue man's orders. Turning, he looked up at the outpost and the remains of the battle that had taken place.
Only one day, he thought. Well, it was a better chance than any he'd had. If the blue man wanted the barrels, then that wouldn't be too hard to accommodate.
Still not sure what exactly was going on, but knowing that a chance for freedom had arrived, Tsakua gave a mock salute to the blue man before running to grab a barrel.
"One day, ye say? I'll bet ye my gruel we can be out of here by sunset!"
Breewyn finally reaches the other cluster of slaves, panting some as she jingles the keys near the mossy halfling. After a bit she manages to swallow, and speak up. "You still need the keys?" She takes a few more deep breaths, giving him a weak smile.
Thank you gnome. It has been a while since a descendant of the feywild has meet with my race. Then again gnomes have long since left the fey. Chuthan smiles, his teeth like small mushrooms.
He lets the manacle fall, and grabs the chain, wrapping it around one hand, and holding the other end of the chain in his other hand.
Let Nature's wrath rain supreme! He runs to aid the front line, and hides behind the corpse of a guard.
"Get me a hammer an' I'll have us outta here in the hour," Luca growled, her gray eyes dancing with the flames of fury that had burned away the painful memories.
Spying the downed guards, she carefully picked her way to them, staying clear of the archers' sight. She stripped one of the ones whose clothing was not full of holes and covered in blood. The dwarven woman took a quick inventory of the weapons and the armor available before stripping off the rags she wore and pulling on the too big breeches,boots and tunic.
"Which of ye can use a sword," she called out.
The light afforded to Marra by her spell touches upon the corpse of a guard, and she quickly heads to it. However, by the time she arrives the body, a mountain dwarf has already reached it, wearing the oversized garments the guard had once worn. "I'll take anything if it will get us out of here," she says, "though I can't say I'll be good with a sword."
She crouches, intently looking at the corpse. "Anything else of use?" she asks.
"They're lighting fires in there! Movement behind the timber walls, and they've closed the gates!" So focused was Jietin on staying sharp and aware, he wasn't going through what information he might have known to help.
However the blue man helps remind him. The supply caravan, right. "This is no long term mission, we break out today!" He shouts. "Strip them of weapons and armor, and arm yourselves! Today, we fight!" Jietin outfits himself with armor and a longsword, putting the spear on his back for now.
"Well, there's a few spears an' a bow. 'Fraid that's it," Luca answered with a shrug.
"Least the clothes are warmer than the rags they had us wearin'," she says with a humorless chuckle.
Breewyn looked at the dead guards, then down at her dirty dishtowel of a dress. She shook her head, "May be warmer, but they'll never come close to fitting me." She frowned, looking around more.
The wizard deposits his body deeper into the tunnel before storming back up and stopping just before the barbarian. "CALM YOURSELF!" he bellows. "Now is not the time to go half cocked! If the gates are closed that means they are hunkering down for the rest of the day and night and are going to wait for reinforcements before attacking us! And with that gate closed and covered by archer's no doubt, it's suicide to simply charge up there without a plan!"
Jietin nods. "I know, blue man. But we cannot wait until tomorrow, there will be too many. Put that brain to use, how can we get out the gate? Today."
Chuthan looks at the wizard and barbarian from behind the Corpse. I will aid the two of you the best I can. But If we to escape we must now.
Motioning to the barrels, Tsakua added "We may not need t' worry fer the archers, they seem poor shots to me."
Octavian kneels down and contemplates the plan that had been tumbling through his mind for the past two hours. It was audacious and could go very wrong very quickly but the rewards were so lucrative that he couldn't resist planning it out.
"Listen everyone I have a plan that I believe will succeed but only if everyone plays their part." he says suddenly. Taking the dagger from the belt he had acquired he began to scratch a diagram in the dirt outlining his plan and the fort.
"Step 1; We take the fort tonight, in the dark. I'll wager 1000 gold pieces that there are more barrels like this in there, many more barrels." he points at the four barrels of explosives they had procured. "And they are key to my plan. When the supply caravan arrives in the morning there will be between eight and ten well trained and well armed guards with it. Even with the equipment we just got I don't believe we have the skills to take all of the guards down in straight up combat. You two-" and he points at the fake guard and human cleric "Will be the human decoys to show the commander that humans are still in control of the fort. You also have to convince the commander that the slaves revolted yesterday and killed 2 guards and took 2 more hostage. The commander was so angry he ordered all but you 2 into the mines to kill the monsters and get his men back."
The wizard leans back to take a breath. "This is where it get really dicey. Those guards MUST go into the mine. We will have laid 6 barrels of explosives under the first 2 braces and will have to convince them that those were placed by the guards before they could detonate and then left alone. Once the last guard passes the first explosives someone who can set a fire from a distance will detonate them. At that istance all of the overtly non-humans will emerge from hiding and eliminate any of the other humans who didn't go into the mine. At the minimum it should cut their fighting force in half."
"This plans relies on daring and more then a little luck. We are out numbered and out armed but we have the element of surprise. We CAN DO THIS. And if we pull this off we will have 3 wagons almost overflowing with food and other supplies including weapons."
Breewyn shook her head at the Half-orc. "Those arrows were hitting their mark for the most part. We are just fortunate that whatever the powder is, doesn't work well when damp." She looked to each of the faces of the members of their grouping. My aren't we just a rag-tag little gang here. She smiled to herself, eyes twinkling a little with mirth as they caught the illumination from the two light sources.
"Duergar-lovin' idiots're usin' blastin' powder? Da always said humans had no patience an' no 'preciation for stone," Luca said shaking her head as she put two and two together.
"I may want vengeance, but I'll not leave anyone, even one o' those orc's paradin' as human, to starve 'hind a cave-in," Luca says at the strange man's plan, "let's worry 'bout that later. Do we have anythin' to use fer shields?"
"Indeed." the wizard says. He turns and point to the four barrels that had been thoroughly soaked. "Those right there. When damp the powder inside is inert so I had the idea to empty those barrels and split them in half right down the middle. With a little modification we can add straps with belts or something and viola, decent shields! Four barrels, eight shields! You couldn't sell them in any market but they should more then viable in a pinch."
It appears a storm is rolling in as the rain went from steady to heavy. Despite it being almost mid-day the clouds are thick and it is relatively dark. A crack of lightning flashed, illuminate the mine shaft for a split second, a thunderous bellow echoing across the lands a few seconds later.
"Raahh!" With a bellow, Jietin rips one of the barrels in half, tossing the makeshift shields to the side. The next minute is filled with bellows and splintering wood as he makes more shields, then grabs one for himself. "Right. Armed as best as we're going to be. Let's get this plan moving."
The oread pauses to intone a spell of protection. . Otherwise he ponderously follows the others, quietly...
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Theses people are crazy. I must follow them to see what they do next. This blue man wants more fire. I can do fire from a far away
Blue man, I can make barrels be on fire.
Zorgg has a giant smile on his face, showing his crooked teeth.
Octavian looks up sharply as the shaft is briefly illuminated by the vibrant white bolt. And just like that another idea struck him with just as much ferocity. The rage in the group was a palpable thing and the wizard has his own fair share of it. The more amped the group became the more intense the storm became until he was sure the rain would be a blinding sheet. Not much for fire but great for an infiltration.
"Or...we go now. As soon as the storm gets worse. When they can't see more then ten feet in front of them we go for the gate and hit it as hard as we can. The bar they use to secure it is barely enough to keep wild animals out and could not stand up to a charge of several strong people intent on getting inside."
He looks over as the barbarian snarls and begins ripping barrels apart and throwing clods of wet powder everywhere. The wizard can't help but smile at the elemental brutality that seemed to fit in just right with the revised plan.
Slowly the wizard stands up and moves over to where the weapons had piled. He couldn't wear any of the armor as it would restrict his spellcasting but the spear was simple enough that even he could use it. He also picked up one of the brand new barrel shields. "The gods are with us now. Fury and vengeance, blood in, blood out. The humans have tortured us. Killed us. Killed our family. Killed our friends. Killed our people."
Another bolt of lightning comes down and fills with the tunnel with another blast of pure white light. "Vengeance comes on wings of thunder tonight. Let us return the fury of our collected people's despair and turn the humans hate into fear." the wizard says. Without another word he takes his spear in hand and begins a steady walk up the tunnel. When the opening comes into view he halts and waits for the storm to get worse.
"I am Octavian Lucarin, child of the Ilidari and last of the survivors who came into this camp. Tonight I take bloody vengeance for my people."
Now that was the kind of plan and speech Jietin could get behind. He bangs his stolen sword on his splintered shield, roaring a blood curdling war cry at the top of his lungs, calling fear to his enemies and inspiration to his allies. There are no more words from him, only snarls as he steps closer to the entrance, preparing to charge. As the lightning flashes and illuminated the hulking figure, his vision starts to flash red. No, not yet. I will surrender to you, but not yet. Closer. Almost there.
Luca looked at the goblin, and then to Tsakua, and she couldn't help but laugh.
"A dwarf workin' with goblins an' orcs. These be interestin' times indeed," she laughed as she helps get everyone outfitted.
Once all of the gear had been handed out, she grabs a barrel shield and a sword after donning a suit of ill-fitting armor.
"Crush 'em 'neath the stones," Luca cried as she lead the charge up to the archers after Octavian's speech, "for Dovan- Dur and Vengeance!"
Iraldia stood back as the prisoners freed and armed themselves. She couldn't help but smile a bit in satisfaction. Gommie panted at her side with excitement as the wizard rallied the troops. Picking up a barrel shield, she hefted it to test its horrible balance. She discarded it just as quickly. She would need to be swift and quiet if she were to join in the attack. The kitsune's form peeled into view as she stepped up to the group.
"We need more eyes on what they have up there. Let me scout for you.
Chuthan looked at the other slaves. Armed only with his chain for tripping, he sighs to himself. He decides to move from the body, but tries to stay out of sight from the guards hiding behind the tiefling.
If you don't mind, I could be of use to you. I'll try to trip people you are fighting, and you can stab them. Figure I may want to work with the strongest here. I certainly couldn't do much by myself.
As he speaks to the Tiefling he casts Guidance on him.
"Not yet, let us see what the storm brings. When we can no longer see the fortifications then will be time for us to see what they do to hide from the rain. Gods know it will good to have a bath for the first time in years." the wizard says while intently watching the fort.
The fox nods and glances back at the group itching for battle. She fights a snarl as she spots the human in the group. She did have some questions.
"What's your story, human? Why were you chained with the rest of them?"
Marra shoots a curious glance at the dwarf, and another at the tiefling and Illidari. The plan the wizard formulated was quite solid, though the rousing speech caused her to fall silent, simply glancing towards the corpses of the dead guards. Such rage against my people.
But it was this rage that would hopefully be her freedom, and after she is outfitted proper, she grabs a spear from the pile of weapons.
She undoes the strip of leather holding her hair in place, and notices the fox being as it voices its question to her. "I worked in service of my Lady. It is both duty and my own will to spread the Dawnflower's word to all, not only my kind. And so I was captured, and suffered as the rest did."
Breewyn stood beside Octavian, looking up at him. "I hope to be able to see the stars tonight." She took one of the guardsman's shirts and attempted to wear it like a nightshirt. The sleeves were far too long though, and she used a blade to cut the sleeves short on it. She stood for a moment admiring her handiwork, even though it was a tad ill-fitting and grubby still.
The weather just seemed to worsen by the second, as the lightning and thunder became more frequent. Another sharp flash silhouetted the the archers on the walls, they seem to be hunkering down slightly for the bad weather. The small braziers on top of the wall were struggling when the winds were finally picking up, pushing the fire around like it was its very own plaything. The rain began to pick up more then before, becoming a torrential downpour. The sound of the rain become almost as loud as the roar of the thunder. The haze of the rain and the darkness was beginning to blur the fortifications of the outpost. It was nearly time.
It was only a few more minutes before the outpost was just a fuzzy silhouette in the darkening day. Only the main light from the center of the camp was still going, all the braziers along the ramparts were out, killed by the storm rolling in. The trees surrounding the area bent against the wind with a chorus of soft groans.
The storm has hit.
Breewyn strains her eyes against the darkness cast by the severe thundershower.
She watches the doors of the gate giving some, only just barely barred. That gate stands no chance against the forces we can wield. She thought with a smirk, feeling her makeshift dress flapping some from the harsh winds as the storm grew even worse.
Octavian watched with a widening grin as the gates groaned and bent under the fury of the storm. He wasn't a devout man but it seemed that all of the gods of the various races had finally had enough. "Go check the gate now. In one minute we charge." he says to Iraldia.
Ira turned back to the wizard, ignoring the human for now. She gave a nod. Motioning for Gommie to stay, she dashed out into the rain. Keeping to the edge of the quarry, the kitsune moved from rock to rock, getting as closed to the gate as possible.
The armor was inhibiting and caused to slip on occasion. But the storm should provide decent cover. She knelt down and peered into through the thick rain at the outpost and gate, hoping to glean any valuable information.
Luca outfitted the makeshift shields with straps of leather, cloth, or anything else she can find as she spoke.
"One minute? I guess I can wait that long," Luca said, "one more minute, they can wait one more minute."
Those looking closely at Luca's gaunt face see faint, ghostly runes appear as if some unseen hand was painting her face for war.
Iraldia took in the layout and then headed back. Emerging from the rain, she reported in to the wizard.
"The gate is near bursting. It wouldn't take much to get through it. With the winds, their arrows are ineffective and the visibility is poor so a surprise attack could be planned as well. My suggestion is that a small group of us sneak around the left side here," She draws it in the dirt, "Once we're in position, we signal the others to come in the front. We can flank them and wipe them out quickly."
Xaeken listens to the plan and nods barely, "I am slow, little ones are slow, we should remember that and perhaps flank?"
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"The problem is what signal can we use that will make it through the storm?" Octavian asks as he stares out into the raging storm. For several seconds he chews on these thoughts. Finally he knelt down to point at the sketch Iraldia had drawn. "I know the armory is right there next to the front gate. Saw it plenty of times every time they tossed us into the cages. There is also at least 9 more guards including the idiots guarding the wall. I don't think it would be a good idea to split up but neither do I think it's a good idea to go in this gate. They are waiting for us to try something from this direction. No if we were to break down the front gate it's possible they wont even hear it over the storm. We go in quiet and lethal and kill anything we come across. We try to get into the armory and grab better weapon and armor. My guess is those not guarding are going to hiding inside away from the storm."
He looks up at everyone. "We do this smart and fast and it could be over before they even know something is going on." he says. He looks specifically at Jietin. "You have my permission to let loose. Kill every human you see. Let's go."
Getting a solid grip on his weapon he stands up and looks at Iraldia. "Lead us to the other gate. Quietly."
Jietin growls as the door is mentioned. Clearly he intends to be in front and taking care of the gatecrashing.
The fox gives a sly smile, "Gladly. She turns to the rest in the cave, "Alright everyone. We're moving out to sneak up on the outpost. If you are carrying a shield, take it off and tie it to your back. It'll be cumbersome and may give away our position. Once we get in range, our fearless leader here..." indicating Octavian, "will give the signal for attack. Do not make a sound before then." She eyes the human again but refrains from the confrontation. Instead, she slips into the rain, moving slow so others can keep up.
Octavian looks down at his ragged slave clothes for a moment before coming to a decision. He sets the shield and spear on the ground before ripping the top of his toga off completely. Anyone standing behind him would see that his back is almost completely covered with layer upon layer of whip scars. With deft movements he spins the rags into a dense twirl of cloth much stronger then the original material and ties it through the handle on the shield. After securing the knots and giving an few experimental tugs he slings the shield over his back and then slides his spear through.
Though no where near the strength of the barbarian the wizard had had all fat scoured away during his slavery and now was only wiry muscle and resilient scars. Even through the scars on his arms and chest tattoos in strange symbols and designs glowed very faintly with their own light in stark contrast against his dark skin. He heads outs quickly after the scout and actually raises his face to the sky and smiles as clean water begins to scour away the layers of dirt. He glances up at the walls and barely seen gate before turning towards the left and heading around the fort.
These people are crazy. I like them. They be fun.
Zorgg watches the others prepare for battle. It reminds him of his old tribesman getting ready to go on a raid. Zorgg gets very excited.
Zorgg ready to burn stuff. Fire!
Chuthan scanned out from behind the tiefling. He readied himself.